Paroxysm is a d-beat infused crust group, hailing from Edmonton, Alberta. The Canadian quintet combines relentless d-beat drumming with crust guitar riffs, creating brutal sonic attacks and invoking a dark, sinister atmosphere. The band’s music is fast and aggressive while the throat-ripping vocals pass judgement on patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism and the political status quo in general. These guys also seem to be especially fond of cats, which is something always checked below “pros” in my list.

The band released a demo titled “Open Wounds” in 2016 and has returned a few days ago with its self-titled, first full-length album that was released in digital and vinyl format via a constelation of d.i.y. labels (Anomie Records, Chainbreaker Records, Doomed Society, Echoes from Beneath, Path to Oblivion Records). You can listen to the new album in full below.

Band Spotlight

Hailing from Lincoln, UK Nieviem is a newer skate punk band that has been tearing it up for a little over a year. Steadily releasing new songs, live recordings, and EPs, the band continues the trend with their second EP The Hope Is There. The EP is fast and heavy, borrowing from hardcore but still strongly entrenched in 90's skate punk. If that sounds up your alley, then give it a listen here.